A group of fans is suing the NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the cancellation of Sunday’s NFL Hall of Fame Game, the Canton Repository reported Thursday.
The nationwide class-action lawsuit contends the fans are owed more than reimbursement for ticket costs and lodging and travel expenses. The hall of fame canceled the preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts because of poor field conditions related to paint used for a midfield logo and end-zone lettering.
The 13-page complaint, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Akron, says fans also took time off work to travel to Canton and bought concessions and other items after entering Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium but before the game was canceled at roughly 8 p.m.
The lawsuit seeks more than $5 million in damages.
Pete Fierle, vice president of communications and chief of staff, said the hall had no comment Thursday evening about the litigation.
Wide out is out
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson will miss the season with a knee injury, coach Mike McCoy confirmed Thursday.
Johnson hurt his right knee during the second practice of training camp while getting up to run downfield after making a diving catch. The nine-year pro underwent surgery Tuesday and was told Wednesday that his season was done.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” McCoy said after practice. “I had a great conversation with Stevie last night and for what happened, he had a great mindset.”
Johnson, who’s often used as a slot receiver, missed six games last year with hamstring and groin issues. He had 45 catches for three touchdowns and 497 yards.
“It’s too bad,” Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen said. “But we have some other guys that can fill in.”
The Chargers signed free agent James Jones, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, after Johnson’s injury. Backup Tyrell Williams is having a stellar camp and could see increased playing time in Johnson’s absence.
Bills’ injuries
Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams and wide receiver Dez Lewis were injured Thursday night following a hard collision at the team’s practice.
Williams is being treated for a “suspected concussion,” the team said after practice. There was no update on Lewis.
The collision took place during a team drill. Both players stayed on the ground before eventually walking to the locker room under their own power. Lewis appeared to be holding his right arm as he walked to the locker room.
The collision was extra concerning because Williams is attempting to make his way back from a neck injury. He played in just three games last season before undergoing neck surgery. Williams had a bone shaved in his neck to correct a nerve impingement, which had been causing numbness.
Players said after practice that Bills coach Rex Ryan told the team Williams’ injury did not involve his neck.
“It’s under our impression that at least it’s not a neck thing, at least I know that much,” safety Corey Graham said. “I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, but at least we know it’s not anything wrong with his neck.”
“It seems like good news is coming out,” linebacker Preston Brown said. “I don’t think it’s his neck.”
Williams had a concussion in Buffalo’s season opener in 2014.